Stephanie Beatriz Reveals Twisted Metal's Hilarious Success & Thrilling Journey with Anthony Mackie

Summary

One of the reasons Stephanie Beatriz, who portrays the character Quiet, was enticed by the show was the involvement of executive producers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Additionally, the opportunity to collaborate with Mackie was an irresistible factor for Beatriz.

Beatriz commended showrunner Michael Jonathan Smith for his collaborative and encouraging style, which empowered her to infuse her comedic flair into her character and develop a strong rapport with Mackie.

Twisted Metal is an adaptation of the immensely popular PlayStation game series bearing the same name. The storyline revolves around John Doe, a charismatic outsider plagued by a lack of memory regarding his past. In order to secure a brighter future, he is presented with an opportunity to complete a cryptic delivery through a desolate post-apocalyptic landscape, confronting countless perils along the way.

Starring Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Neve Campbell, Samoa Joe (Joe Seanoa), Will Arnett, Richard Cabral, and Thomas Haden Church, Twisted Metal features an incredible cast. The series was developed by Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Michael Jonathan Smith, with Smith also serving as showrunner. All 10 episodes of Twisted Metal will be available on Peacock starting from July 27.

Stephanie Beatriz recently spoke with Screen Rant about her exciting new role in the series, Twisted Metal. She shared what initially attracted her to the show and how her experience on Brooklyn Nine-Nine has aided her in tackling this new project. Beatriz also discussed her collaboration with the talented Anthony Mackie and showrunner Michael Jonathan Smith. Please note that this interview took place prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike; the creation of this show would not have been possible without the dedication of the writers and actors from WGA and SAG-AFTRA.

Stephanie Beatriz Talks Twisted Metal

Screen Rant: As a fan of Twisted Metal, I was unsure about how this show would be executed. However, it turned out to be perfect. You play the character Quiet. Could you please share some insights about your character and what drew you to this highly violent yet incredibly engaging action comedy?

Stephanie Beatriz: Initially, what drew me to this project was the involvement of Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick as executive producers. I am a big fan of their dark humor and unique style. Additionally, the fact that Anthony Mackie was cast as the lead, along with the support from PlayStation, Sony, and Peacock, made me even more excited. Anthony is not only an exceptional actor, but also a remarkable Black man. It is truly special to have him at the helm of this series. Moreover, when I read the scripts, I was genuinely amazed.

MJ, also known as Michael Jonathan Smith, is an incredibly talented writer. The team he assembled, including a group of avid enthusiasts, has done an exceptional job in paying homage to the original games while introducing beloved characters to the fans. Moreover, they have successfully expanded the world of Twisted Metal, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with the game will still thoroughly enjoy the experience, pun unintended.

Absolutely, I completely agree with you. Michael Jonathan Smith, who demonstrated remarkable skill with Cobra Kai, has also contributed immensely to the development of Twisted Metal. Could you please share your thoughts on collaborating with him and how it has contributed to the creation of this immersive world?

Stephanie Beatriz praises the showrunner as an amazing collaborator who is passionate about comedy, just like herself. She believes that having someone who believes in you is invaluable for an actor. She appreciates the fact that the showrunner laughs at her jokes and shares the same comedic mindset. On set, there was always a back and forth between them, allowing her to bring her own sensibility and tone. Stephanie credits her experience on Brooklyn Nine-Nine for honing her collaborative skills, thanks to the supportive environment created by lead actor Andy Samberg. Similarly, the showrunner of Twisted Metal, MJ, fostered a similar atmosphere where everyone felt free to play and contribute.

Your character and Anthony Mackie's character have completely contrasting personalities at the start of the show. While your character relies on her silence to survive, Anthony's character utilizes his gift of communication to handle any situation. The chemistry between you two is outstanding. Could you describe to me how you developed such chemistry with Anthony for this show?

Stephanie Beatriz: It was incredibly natural. Not only is he visually appealing, but he's also an immensely talented actor. His career spans across various genres, which is truly admirable. He has explored every aspect of acting, and I hold a great deal of respect for individuals who work tirelessly like him. Our connection on set was effortless, and we thoroughly enjoyed bouncing ideas off each other. Anthony's humor is infectious, making it effortless to be funny when working alongside someone hilarious.

The music in this is amazing - it's that iconic early 2000s music that I absolutely adore. If Stephanie was a part of the Twisted Metal universe, which car would she choose and what song would she play on repeat?

Stephanie Beatriz: Oh my goodness, her car would definitely be a 2001 Honda Civic. That's the car I drove as my very first one. And the song on loop would be [singing], "Pardon me while I burst!" I think it would be Incubus, for sure. [Laughs]

About Twisted Metal

We have additional Twisted Metal interviews available for you to explore.

Anthony Mackie

Thomas Haden Church

Samoa Joe aka Joe Seanoa

Twisted Metal debuts on Peacock on July 27.

Source: Screen Rant Plus